The word survivor means many things to many people. For
instance, it can mean to live through an affliction or outlive
another.
At Elk Regional Health Center’s Celebrities Gala next month, it
will mean helping women survive health care issues as well as
hearing from those who were able to survive on a TV show.
This is the inaugural gala, which is set for Nov. 11 at The Red
Fern. The doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.
The money will help the hospital finish the women’s health suite
that will include more privacy and an expanded education center
that will include books for research for a variety of health care
issues.
According to Gwen Auman, Elk Regional grant writer and fund
developer, there’s a growing number of women’s health issues in the
area.
She and Charlotte Floravit, public relations specialist at the
hospital, and John Schlimm, co-editor of the “Pennsylvania
Celebrities Cookbook,” along with Steven Troha, discussed the event
and what all it will entail. The cookbook will be officially
launched at the gala.
“The woman takes care of everybody in the family and puts
herself last,” they said. “She can’t take care of the family if she
is not well.”
Jenna Morasca, winner of Survivor: Amazon will be the keynote
speaker. Her boyfriend, Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor: Africa, and
Wanda Shirk, a contestant on Survivor: Palau from Potter County,
will also attend.
Both Morasca and Shirk contributed to the cookbook.
Morasca also wrote the forward in the cookbook, which features
recipes from famous Pennsylvanians. Some of the recipes will be
featured at the gala.
One of the reasons she became involved in the cookbook was
because of it’s relationship to women’s health.
“My mother fought a 12-year battle with cancer she recently
lost, so health has a new meaning to me now, and taking care of
your body and soul,” she wrote. “My mom was a fighter and a true
survivor. Because of her and my wonderful dad … I realize what’s
important in life, not money or cars, it’s health and happiness,
because that is priceless.”
In fact, women’s health care issues are close to many people’s
hearts, the organizers said. A silent auction will be held with
celebrities drawing hearts on 8″ by 10″ board.
Many celebrities – more than 45 – have already sent in hearts,
including local celebrities as opera diva Marilyn Horne, a Bradford
native, and Hall of Fame professional basketball coach Chuck Daly,
who was born in St. Marys and graduated from Kane Area High School.
Other celebrities include Dustin Hoffman, Desperate Housewife
Felicity Huffman, Bill Cowher, Martina McBride and Loretta
Lynn.
Some just drew hearts, others were more elaborate with
decorations and inspirational sayings.
Weatherman Al Roker drew a sun behind his.
Some who did not feel drawing was their forte improvised. David
Letterman sent tickets for his show, Lance Armstrong included one
of his bracelets, a poster and bandana and Faith Hill will
personalize her heart to the winning bidder.
Elizabeth Taylor also inked a heart.
“She gets so many requests,” Schlimm said. “I know how tough of
a get she is.”
Also, Sister Augustine, a local 90-year-old nun, made 50 pink
bud vases that will hold Goblin Chocolate for the tables.
A women’s health conference will kick off the week leading to
the gala.
The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St.
Marys Area High School.
Tickets for the gala are now on sale through Nov. 5. No tickets
will be available at the door. The price includes a copy of the
celebrity cookbook.
“People are ready to support women’s health,” they said, adding
everybody will be a celebrity at the gala.
All proceeds from the gala and cookbook will benefit women’s
health services.
Auman and Floravit said they hope to make enough money at the
gala to continue the women’s heath program.
Tickets can be reserved by calling Auman at 788-8585. The
tickets will be sent through the mail once payment is received.
